The Wood & Canvas Canoe
by Rollin Thurlow and Jerry Stelmok

The best and most complete guide to the construction, restoration and maintenance of wood and canvas canoes. Abundant photos and line drawings illustrate the step-by-step instructions. Includes study plans for the 17 1/2' Atkinson Traveler, the 15' Cheemaun and the 10' Whisper. The book is also a careful history of the evolution of the wood and canvas canoe, including extensive discussion of the building of birch bark canoes and sketches of many of the early canoe builders: Gerrish, White, Morris, Old Town and others.

186 pp. Paperback or new durable hardcover edition.

• Hardcover Price $36.00
• Paperback Price $19.00

The Maine Guide Canoe
by Jerry Stelmok

Jerry's first book on canoe building, long out of print, is now available. It covers the steps in building the classic E. M. White Guide Canoe. There is also information on making paddles, poles and rigging the canoe for sailing.

Fully illustrated, 256 pages soft cover

• Price $17.00

A Canoeist's Sketchbook
by Robert Kimber

In a unique way this book combines practical advice, humor and literary musings on the joys of wilderness canoeing. Robert Kimber is a regular contributor to Country Journal and Down-East, and writes articles for other national publications. The Canoeist's Sketchbook is not a technical text or a whitewater epic journal, but gives the thoughts of a seasoned canoeist who knows the heart and soul of canoeing and the wilderness.

This book will bring a smile and a nod of approval from anyone interested in the out-of-doors from the experienced canoeist to the novice hiker.

Illustrations by Jerry Stelmok. 160 pages, size 6x9
Published by Chelsea Green. Paperback.

• Sorry, no longer avaiable

Paddling With Ease And Grace

Skilled paddlers like Maine Guides Garrett and Alexandra Conover can propel a loaded traveling canoe with so little apparent movement and such fluid grace that scarcely a ripple hints of the path of the paddle. To the watcher it seems impossible, but these paddlers are using the North Woods Stroke, a traditional technique designed to conserve energy and muscle-power during long days on the water. Once mastered, it allows the canoe, paddle and paddler to blend together in graceful harmony.

NWCC publishes a four-page brochure describing this special stroke, with ample photographs of the full sequence of motions for both bow and stern paddlers, and very detailed text fully explaining every aspect of the stroke.

Although the North Woods Paddle was developed to make the most of this stroke, it can be used very successfully with any traditional paddle.

(no longer in print) (not avaiable)

Historic Canoe Company Catalogs

- 1908 B. N. Morris Company
- 1910 Old Town Canoe Company

Reprints of these historic canoe catalogs offer a glimpse into the vast array of canoe styles being offered at the turn of the century. The pictures and descriptions of the canoes and their hardware make these catalogs wonderful guides for restoring old canoes built by these companies. Reprinted by the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association, LTD.  Price: $7.00/each

Steambending For Woodworkers

In my years of boat building and teaching, I have found that many people are intimidated by the need to steambend wood, even though steambending can easily be done in a home shop without elaborate equipment.

The first portion of the video deals with theories of wood bending: how the compression and stretching of the wood during bending stresses the piece. Understanding this theory allows you to anticipate problems and prepare to overcome them. Then I take up practical issues of how to select wood - for species, dryness, grain, knots and other flaws, shape of the piece - and how to prepare and pre shape the wood. Next I show you how to construct a couple of different models of home built steam boxes, made from simple materials, and discuss alternative steaming operations.

In the second half of the video, I bend several different pieces for you, from simple to more complex operations, and show you some tricks for handling difficult bends. Although construction - ribs (both for new canoes and replacement ribs for damaged canoes), hardwood stems, pre shaped rails and decks - the same theories and techniques apply equally to wood bending for all kinds of purposes. Whether you are working on larger boats, fine furniture, snowshoes, toboggans or any other bentwood projects, this video will help you make successful bends.

The tape was shot entirely in my own shop using high-quality home video equipment. While the tape is clear and crisp and carries the information I wanted to convey, please do no expect a slick, Hollywood-style production.

VHS Videotape - 65 minutes. $15.00

Now avaiable on DVD -$30.00

Building the Atkinson Traveler

I've made this video to help people understand the principles and techniques of building wood/canvas canoes. Using a 17 foot wilderness guide canoe as a model, it guides you through every step of construction, from selecting the rough stock, shaping the ribs, steambending, planking, canvassing, and sanding, to painting and installing the brass stembands.

Whether you want help building your own canoe or just want to know more about traditional canoe construction, you will find the film very informative and lively.

This video is an excellent companion to the book, The Wood and Canvas Canoe, and helps explain some of the more esoteric aspects of canoe building that are difficult to put in writing.

DVD- $30.00

No longer available on VHS

Winterwalk 2003

   Join Rollin Thurlow and such other notables as Alexandra and Garrett Conover and author Bob Kimber, while they travel the Georges River north to Ungava Bay in northeastern Canada.  The trip begins with a car and train ride deep into the Labrador interior. Then on snowshoes, unsupported and without restocking, the group travels east and north on the Riveiere De Pas and the Gorges River some 400 miles into northern Quebec. Rollin brought along a mini digital camera and managed to obtain five hours of tape which he condensed into this entertaining well edited film. Experience life on the trail in the traditional manner as it was and still is today. Available in video cassette and DVD. Filmed and edited by Rollin Thurlow.

VHS Videotape - 60 min. $10.00

DVD 60 - min. $15.00